Land Management Project Officer (Wading Birds and Habitats)

Contract: Full time (37 hours per week) and fixed term until 31 March 2029
Location: Grassington, near Skipton, with opportunities for blended working

Do you want to play a key role in helping some of the Yorkshire Dales' most iconic bird species thrive? If yes, we're looking for a Land Management Project Officer to join our Land Management Section and help deliver nature recovery across the National Park. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop our Dales-wide wading bird conservation work, building on successful pilot projects and delivering practical habitat improvements that support upland breeding populations.

Working with farmers, landowners, partner organisations and local interest groups, you'll develop and deliver projects that make a lasting difference for wildlife and habitats. Alongside this, you'll work with colleagues to deliver our Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund capital programme, supporting a range of conservation projects across the National Park.

About us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves.

You'll join a supportive and knowledgeable team that is passionate about making a positive difference for the National Park and the communities who live and work here.

The benefits

We believe in supporting our people and offer a range of benefits to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance, develop your career and enjoy the advantages of working in one of the UK's most inspiring landscapes.

• Generous leave: starting at 26 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of Local Government service
• Pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Flexible working: including flexitime, flexi-leave and blended working options
• Wellbeing benefits: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme, staff discounts and an employee assistance programme
• Learning and development: Ongoing support for continuing professional development and training
• Free parking at Authority car parks

The role

This is a varied and rewarding role, with a strong focus on delivering a Dales-wide Wading Bird Conservation Project. Working with colleagues, farmers, landowners, partner organisations and local communities, you'll build on pilot work already underway and deliver a range of capital works and habitat improvements to support upland breeding wader populations.

You'll also contribute to the delivery of our Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund, helping to develop and deliver conservation projects that support nature recovery across the Yorkshire Dales.

About you

We're looking for someone with a good understanding of wading bird species and ecology in relation to the Yorkshire Dales. Confident working with farmers, landowners, partner organisations and local interest groups, you’ll be motivated by the opportunity to develop our wading bird conservation work and help deliver practical habitat improvements and wider nature recovery projects across the National Park.

In addition, you’ll have:

• Experience of formulating, project managing and delivering land management projects.
• Experience of working with multiple partners and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
• Strong planning skills and the ability to translate strategy into practical project delivery.
• A degree-level qualification in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience gained through employment.

Join our team!

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Leigh Thornton, Land Management Projects Manager, on 01756 751607 or [email protected]

Closing date: 11pm on Monday, 26 October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026